Obituary of Norman Allen Sandler

Norman Allen Sandler of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 20, 2021 at age 79. He was born Mar. 31, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, the only son of Harold and Pearl (Silverman) Sandler. 

A graduate of Hope High School in Providence, Norman earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Memphis (Tenn.).

After graduate school, Norman enrolled in Officer Candidate School of the United States Air Force. Upon completion, he proudly served his country for four years, working as a psychologist at Air Force bases in Texas, Oklahoma, and California, as well as a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam during the war, eventually earning the rank of Captain. 

After his honorable discharge from the military, he moved to Florida to work as a school psychologist. To facilitate a career change, he earned a business degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. His work brought him and his family to Charlotte in 1977, where he built a successful career in medical supply sales. 

Norman enjoyed traveling and experiencing the culture and cuisine of foreign countries. He traveled to many countries in Europe and Asia over the years, including trips to visit both his children when they were studying and working abroad. He particularly enjoyed a trip with his son to attend his daughter’s graduation from graduate school in Germany. 

Additionally, he loved to read, especially histories of World War II; ride his bicycle; watch his favorite tennis players compete; cook for his family and friends; work out at the Jewish Community Center; listen to classical music and the songs of his all-time favorite band, the Beatles; and regularly attend movies and dine at restaurants with friends. When the weather was nice, he could often be found on the porch of his house, gently rocking on a swing, smoking a cigar, and reading car magazines. 

Norman loved being a grandfather, and was excited to be able fulfill a long-time wish to take his grandson to Walt Disney World in December of 2019. He was also an animal lover, with a particular fondness for cats, including his beloved pet tuxedo cat Claudius, who preceded him in death.

Norman is survived by his son, David Sandler of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Jennifer Sandler, son-in-law Bryan Ghent, and grandson Griffin Ghent, all of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and sister, Joyce Woll of Cranston, Rhode Island; plus many friends. He was laid to rest with full military honors in Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina, on Aug. 26, 2021.